In this file photo taken on June 23, 2021 Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a penalty kick during the UEFA EURO 2020 Group F football match between Portugal and France at Puskas Arena in Budapest. Shares of Nike skyrocketed June 24, 2021 on blowout earnings propelled by gains in direct sales to consumers and positive momentum from the return of professional sports. (AFP/Darko Bandic)
C
ristiano Ronaldo will make an eagerly anticipated second debut for Manchester United on Saturday while Arsenal aim to get themselves off the foot of the Premier League table.
Ronaldo made his name as a global star in six trophy-filled years with United between 2003-2009 before leaving for Real Madrid in a then world record move.
The Portuguese superstar returns to Manchester as a 36-year-old with five Ballon d'Or crowns and five Champions League titles to his name, but still with an unquenchable thirst for goals.
After winning the Golden Boot at Euro 2020 and in Serie A for Juventus last season, Ronaldo set another personal record by becoming the top goalscorer in the history of international football last week.
However, United, who host Newcastle on Saturday, are no longer the all-conquering side he left under Alex Ferguson.
Since Ferguson's retirement in 2013, the Red Devils have failed to seriously challenge for the Premier League title.
But Ronaldo's international and now club teammate Bruno Fernandes believes the whole squad will be inspired by playing alongside one of the best players of all time.